A joint security operation has led to the rescue of 21 victims kidnapped along the Alloma, Ejule and Itobe road axis in Kogi State.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, from the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch by troops of the 12 Brigade, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the location of the kidnapped victims after the mass abduction of road users along the affected route.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the joint team mobilised from the 21 Battalion Headquarters and launched a coordinated search across the surrounding forest areas.
The search operation resulted in the location and rescue of all 21 victims.
However, one of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot injury to his leg during the ordeal and was immediately evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for treatment.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken to the 21 Battalion Headquarters, where they are receiving necessary attention as arrangements are being made for their safe reunification with their families and the relevant authorities.
The Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation for their courage, determination and coordination.
He assured residents and road users within the brigade’s area of responsibility that security agencies would sustain search and rescue operations aimed at protecting lives and tackling kidnapping.
The Army also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
The successful operation comes amid continued security concerns along the affected road corridors, where the mass abduction of road users had prompted intensified search efforts by security agencies.
